The art of putting big smiles on little faces at the Norwood annual Toy Sweep

Last weekend, Norwood’s Toy Sweep committee held their annual toy sweep at Toys R Us, Brent Cross.
This special event is organised by Norwood’s Toy Sweep Committee who hold fundraising events all-year round. All of the money goes towards making life a little happier for the children Norwood supports. Whether those are children with severe physical disabilities from Buckets and Spades, Norwood’s short-breaks service, or children that need a little extra help at school or at home provided at Norwood family centres. Debra Kleinman, Norwood’s Toy Sweep Committee Chair said: “We spend around £4500 on toys on the day. The various Norwood resources send us their wish lists, and all the children that use Norwood are invited to take part in the Toy Sweep on the day”.
Fifty children from the Norwood family were invited to Toys R Us in Brent Cross for a very special party. Each child was treated to a gift voucher and given free rein of the giant toy store to choose their very own toy. There were doughnuts and other festive treats for everyone, and a balloon maker who created fantastic creations for all to take home.
There was joy in abundance with children showing off their Barbie sunglasses, clutching their talking Elmo toy or looking in amazement at their Teletubbies playsets, to mention just a few of the toys chosen. Parents, grandparents and carers joined in the festivities, happy to watch the children relaxed and having fun.
The Norwood Toy Committee is a small and dedicated group of volunteers that started around twenty years ago with one simple goal; to bring more joy into children’s lives whatever challenges they face. Their efforts were honoured recently at Norwood’s Volunteer Recognition Awards where they won the Fundraising Award Prize, winning against many other worthy nominees.
As Debra says: “my committee works hard throughout the year. The Toy Sweep is a fantastic event. There’s a lot to organise and lots of volunteers involved in making it happen, but ultimately, the children’s smiles on the day make it all worthwhile. In the end, all children deserve a little joy in their lives”